The new scheme offers rapid US residency for applicants paying at least $1 million, drawing criticism for favouring the wealthy.
President Donald Trump has launched a scheme offering fast tracked US visas to wealthy foreigners who can pay at least $1 million.
The card will give buyers a “direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent,” Trump said on social media on Wednesday.
The Trump Gold Card, first announced earlier this year, is a US visa awarded to those who can demonstrate they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the country, according to the programme’s official website.
The launch comes as Washington intensifies its immigration crackdown, including raising work visa fees and deporting undocumented migrants.
According to the website, the Gold Card scheme promises US residency in “record time” and requires a $1 million fee as “evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States”.
Businesses sponsoring employees are required to pay $2 million plus additional fees. A platinum version offering special tax breaks will also be available for $5 million, the website said.
Applicants must also pay a non refundable $15000 processing fee before their submission is reviewed. Extra government charges may also apply depending on an applicant’s circumstances.
The programme has drawn criticism since its announcement in February, with some Democrats warning it unfairly favours wealthy individuals.
When Trump first unveiled the plan, he described the visas as similar to green cards, which allow immigrants of various income levels to live and work permanently in the US. Green card holders are typically eligible for citizenship after five years.
But the Gold Card is aimed specifically at “high level” professionals, Trump said, stressing, “we want people that are productive”. He added, “The people that can pay $5m, they’re going to create jobs. It’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain.”
The rollout comes as the Trump administration devotes significant resources to deporting immigrants. The US has paused immigration applications from individuals in 19 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, that are subject to the president’s travel ban.
The government has also halted all decisions on asylum applications and said it would review thousands of cases approved under President Joe Biden’s administration.
In September, Trump signed an order imposing a $100000 fee on applicants to the H 1B visa programme for skilled foreign workers. The move caused panic among overseas students in the US and technology firms. The White House later clarified the fee would apply only to new applicants currently abroad.
